This course presents and overview of the key concepts surrounding elements of governance, sustainability and globalisation and the implications for MNEs. Of particular focus is new forms of interaction between state, business and civil society, which enables new forms of governance, accountability, and cooperation on sustainability challenges.   

On the completion of the course, students will: 

• Understand the implications of globalisation for sustainability challenges 

• Assess the role of actors, including MNEs, in systems of governance 

• Evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses various governance mechanisms at the corporate level for MNEs.  

• Understand the dynamics between government, business and civil society within governance systems and the legal, market and social mechanisms, which are deployed to influence corporate behaviours at international, national and local levels. 

Attendance is a firm requirement of this course as many of the learning experiences take place during class and through interactions with peers. The attendance requirement is met if students are present for at least 80% of the scheduled sessions. Students who fail to meet the attendance requirement are de-registered from the course. Missing sessions will affect class participation credits and may also affect other graded components realized during class. In the exceptional case that you cannot attend a session due important reasons ( e.g., sick leave, quarantine), you should provide proof of this. 

3 hour workshop per week over 8 weeks  

Interactive case study approach, covering: 
 

Part 1: Globalisation and Governance 

• Globalisation and new Sustainability Challenges 

• Globalisation and Governance  

• Governance, Sustainability and CSR in a dynamic world : Visible and the Invisible 

Part 2: Role of Actors 

Roles of Actors within Systems of Governance for Sustainability 

• Systems of Governance for Sustainability and the Role of Business   

• Systems of Governance for Sustainability and the Role of Government 

• Systems of Governance and the Role of IGOs 

• Systems of Governance and the Role of Civil Society 

Part 3: Governance Mechanisms at the Corporate Level 

Governance Mechanisms at the Corporate Level:   

• Role of Partnerships 

• Role of Voluntary Initiatives 

• Role of Codes of Standards 

• Role of Law 

Assignment 1 Report 1: role of actors (individual) 25%  

Assignment 2 Case Study: governance mechanisms at the corporate level (Individual) 25%  

Assignment 3 Group Wiki: globalisation and governance (group) 30%  

Class participation: 10%  

Peer Assessment: 10%